scout

1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈskau̇t How to pronounce scout (audio)
scouted; scouting; scouts
Synonyms of scoutnext

intransitive verb

1
: to explore an area to obtain information (as about an enemy)
2
a
: to make a search
b
: to work as a talent scout

transitive verb

1
: to observe in order to obtain information or evaluate
2
: to explore in order to obtain information
3
: to find by making a search

scout

2 of 3

noun

plural scouts
1
a
: one sent to obtain information
especially : a soldier, ship, or plane sent out in war to reconnoiter
b
: watchman, lookout
c sports
(1)
: a person sent out to secure firsthand information about the style of play, tactics, and strength of a rival
(2)
: a person sent out to obtain information about players by watching them in action with a view to making recommendations about the acquisition of players
d
: talent scout
2
a
: the act of scouting
b
: a scouting expedition : reconnaissance
3
often capitalized : a member of any of various scouting movements: such as
a
: boy scout
b
: girl scout
4
: individual, person
—used chiefly in the phrase good scout

scout

3 of 3

verb (2)

scouted; scouting; scouts

transitive verb

1
: mock
2
: to reject scornfully
scouted his explanation as a shabby falsehood—Mark Twain

intransitive verb

: scoff

Synonyms

Noun

Verb (2)

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of scout in a Sentence

Noun you're a good scout Verb (2) the actor's attempt to rationalize his racist comments were roundly scouted by the media
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Chinese venture capitalists no longer descend on Silicon Valley to scout the hottest start-ups. —Li Yuan, New York Times, 20 May 2024 Although there are no main characters for most of the story, the film eventually focuses on four soldiers who split off from the rest of the squad to scout a route through the mountains. —Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for scout 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scout.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French escuter to listen, from Latin auscultare — more at auscultation

Verb (2)

probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skūti taunt; akin to Old English scēotan to shoot — more at shoot

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (2)

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scout was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing scout

Dictionary Entries Near scout

Scouser

scout

scout car

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Scout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scout. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.

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Kids Definition

scout

1 of 3 verb
ˈskau̇t How to pronounce scout (audio)
1
: to go about and observe in search of information : reconnoiter
2
a
: to make a search
scout about for firewood
b
: to find by searching
scouted up the necessary supplies

scout

2 of 3 noun
1
a
: one sent to obtain information and especially to survey in preparation for military action in war
b
: a person who searches for talented newcomers
a baseball scout
2
: the act or an instance of scouting : reconnaissance
3
often capitalized
a
: boy scout
b
: girl scout
4
: individual entry 2 sense 2, person
you're a good scout

scout

3 of 3 verb
1
: deride, mock
2
: to reject as foolish
Etymology

Verb

Middle English scouten "to explore an area for information," from early French escouter "to listen," from Latin auscultare "to listen"

Verb

of Scandinavian origin

More from Merriam-Webster on scout

Nglish: Translation of scout for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of scout for Arabic Speakers

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